Shock plans go in to give Preston newsagents shop a controversial new future

Broadway News at Fulwood has applied for permission to convert to a micropub in a largely residential neighbourhood of the city.

The owners say a bar would be a "positive attraction" in the area and would raise the market value of properties nearby.

The single storey shop in Broadway has served as a newsagents business for decades.

But this week plans were submitted to the city council for a change of use to a drinking establishment.

If approved the new micro-bar would cater for up to 61 customers and would open from noon to 11pm from Monday to Saturday, closing an hour earlier on Sunday.

A planning statement says the owners intend to make some structural changes, particularly to the roof and to the shop front. Internally the property would be refurbished, adding a WC and a bespoke fitted bar.

The statement adds: "The development would be a positive attraction to the area and would increase its popularity.

"We believe the development would also raise the market value of the locality. The proposals will not affect the character and appearance of the area.

"It is our intention to provide a scheme, which will enhance the environment, provide a good benefit to the community.

"We share the council's views in uplifting the area and encouragement given to support such developments and we hope the planning committee and the residents would share the same views."

The owners say they want to attract a "more refined clientele" and have pledged there will be no music played at the bar.

They aim to provide “an ambient and respectful atmosphere, away from mainstream drinking trends - to attract a more refined clientele.

"The bar will offer residents an alternative environment to the traditional pub atmosphere by excluding pool tables, dart boards, duke boxes/ music and TV’s. This will promote a low-key conversational atmosphere.

"The emphasis is on bringing local people together in a premium environment for great conversation, not on traditional pub entertainment/drinking culture.”

The proposed opening hours would “respect and appease any local concerns relating to potential noise disturbance."

Residents locally have until September 1 to comment on the application.